European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Immunization is one of the most effective and efficient way of preventing various childhood infections. It is important to assess the current immunization status of children and various factors affecting it in order to plan interventions and strategies to improve the outcome of immunization programme.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1.To study the coverage of primary immunization and IFA(Iron and Folic acid supplementation) in urban slums and rural areas. 2.To assess the influence of socio-demographic factors on immunization. 3.To know the sources of immunization. 4.To assess the knowledge of mothers regarding necessity of immunization.
MATERIALS AND METHODS : A community based cross-sectional study was done in the rural and urban slums of a district among 150 children aged 12-23 months over a period of 2 months.Simple random sampling was used to select the children and data was collected through house visits using a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered into MS Excel and data analysis was done through proportions,percentages and Chi-square test using  Epi-Info software.
RESULTS : Among the study population of 150 children,108 children (72%) were fully immunized,41 children (27.33%) were partially immunized and only 1 child(0.6%) was unimmunized.Almost half of the children(45%) were receiving IFA(Iron and Folic Acid)supplementation twice a week.Maternal age,eduactional status of mother,knowledge of mother or caregiver regarding immunisation was significantly associated with immunisation status of children.Majority of the children(76%) were availing immunisation services only from government facilities.
CONCLUSION :  There were more children in urban areas who were fully immunized(72%) compared to children who were fully immunised in rural areas(65%).Socio-demographic factors were found to be associated with partial immunised or unimmunised status of children.